Cellnovo, Home Diagnostics Inc form strategic alliance

By Michael Johnsen

LONDON Cellnovo, a London-based medical device company, and Home Diagnostics, a leader in diabetes products, on Thursday announced a strategic alliance that involves integrating technologies and developing distribution opportunities for Cellnovo's insulin-patch pumps.

The partnership allows both companies to accelerate their growth and has the potential to transform the pump industry, the companies stated in a joint press release. The first phase of the agreement calls for the inclusion of Home Diagnostics TRUE blood glucose technology in the Cellnovo wireless mobile handset. The companies will also begin exploring ways to leverage Home Diagnostics' distribution network to expand Cellnovo's presence in the United States and other countries.

"We are extremely excited about our partnership with Home Diagnostics," said Bill McKeon, Cellnovo CEO. "On a technical level, it will provide our customers with the most advanced blood-glucose monitoring technology available today within our mobile handset. From a business perspective, it provides an extensive distribution network that includes 45,000 points of distribution, leading insurance companies and major product order suppliers."

The Home Diagnostics blood glucose unit will operate as a built-in meter within the Cellnovo handset, enabling patients to monitor their blood sugar using touchscreen controls and TRUEresult and TRUEtest Test Strips. Like all information in the handset, the glucose readings will be automatically stored and sent wirelessly to physicians, clinicians and family members.

"Our agreement with Cellnovo allows us to leverage the emerging opportunities in the insulin pump market through the most innovative pump system in the industry," said Joseph Capper, HDI president. "We look forward to helping Cellnovo bring the convenience, ease-of-use and wireless capabilities of their visionary product to diabetes patients throughout the U.S. and beyond."

The Cellnovo pump, which is available in three models, is a small patch pump that features a wireless, touchscreen operation. With the integration of the Home Diagnostics blood glucose meter, patients can monitor their glucose levels using the same handset that records their insulin use, daily meals and activity levels, making diabetes management easier and more accurate.

"The combination of Home Diagnostics' leadership technology and its significant distribution channels positions us to not only drive new advancements in health care, but to also bring greater freedom and convenience to diabetes patients worldwide," McKeon said.